Sudan’s Turabi stigmatises Darfur National Conference
October 11, 2008 (KHARTOUM) — Islamist opposition leader Hassan Al-Turabi stigmatised today an initiative launched by the Sudanese president for a national conference on Darfur saying it meant to block the International Criminal Court (ICC) to prosecute him.
“The People of Sudan’s Initiative” is aimed at finding a lasting political solution for Darfur crisis and intends to bring justice for Darfur people, fight the violence and to restore security in the region.
Al-Bashir proposed the idea for the first time on July 13 one day before his indictment by the ICC Chief prosecutor for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.
The Sudanese political forces, Darfur traditional leaders and civil society are also expected to discuss ways to end violence and adopt measures to facilitate the return of the Internally Displaced People to their home.
El-Mahboub Abdel Salam, the spokesperson of the Popular Congress Party, told Sudan Tribune that his party was not invited to the conference and didn’t receive the preparatory documents. And so they would not take part in Darfur conference.
“Since its inception they didn’t invited the party as such. Only they convened the Deputy secretary General, Abdallah Hasan Ahmed and an aide to the secretary general, Musa Makor of personal basis.” Abdel Salam said.
Asked whether the party decided to boycott it, the PCP official said such decision would only be taken by the leadership body. “The PCP Leadership didn’t take a decision on this gathering because we are the only political force to not receive an official invitation.”
The Darfur rebel movements also would not attend this meeting despite Bashir statement in Darfur last July that they would be invited to attend it.
Some non-signatory movements criticised the idea saying to end the conflict there no need for more consultation because government knows what we want and the best is to express its wiliness to respond to our demands and discuss with us directly.
(ST)